Tuesday, May 08, 2007

Ceasefire chief cites economic gains of peace process

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (Mike Baños / May 8) - There's a clear link between peace and economic development, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the erstwhile conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

This was the observation made by BGen. Edgardo Gurrea, chief of government's Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (GRP-CCCH), in a series of peace advocacy forums conducted across military camps in South Central Mindanao over the weekend.

In his presentation, Gurrea said that between 2002 to 2005, the number of violent encounters between government troops and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) went down from almost 700 to 10, registering a drop rate of 97.3 percent.

This dramatic reduction, he said, resulted to an economic growth rate of nearly 18 percent in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). That record, Gurrea added, represented the "highest Gross Regional Domestic Product growth rate nationwide for CY 2003-2004."

Government and the MILF had begun ceasefire talks as early as July 1997. Implementing guidelines have been drafted since then, and various ceasefire mechanisms have been put in place.

Among these are the joint GRP-MILF CCCH, the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group that coordinates police action against criminal activities within conflict areas, and the International Monitoring Team which helps monitor and preserve the integrity of the ceasefire.

Keeping the peace has not been easy, though. Major battles were seen in the MILF's Camp Abubakar in 2001 and in its last stronghold in Buliok Complex in Maguindanao in 2003. Despite these, and the periodic reports of alleged ceasefire violations from both sides notwithstanding, Gurrea insists the truce is holding up.

"And we have the dividends to prove it," he said. Among these is the increasing interest and commitment from the donor community. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has just begun the spadework for a two-year study on the socio-economic reconstruction of conflict-affected areas in Mindanao.

Canada has just put in an additional P40 million to fund development efforts in the island, on top of the P30 million it already shelled out last year. And the European Union has pledged to pitch in to the World Bank-administered Mindanao Trust Fund to the tune of one million euros.

News reports confirmed that, contrary to previous norms and in recognition of earnest peace-building efforts being undertaken today by civil society, donor countries are now willing to support development initiatives even if a peace agreement has yet to be reached.

Other benefits cited by Gurrea are (1) a "marked improvement" in the level of trust between MILF and government forces as manifested in joint socio-civic activities and anti-crime operations, and (2) a broadening of awareness of local government officials on the "imperatives of an enduring peace in Mindanao."

Gurrea said the GRP-MILF-IMT CCCH is also inviting media to a tripartite conference launching at Pryce Plaza Hotel on May 9, 8:30AM.

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Friday, May 04, 2007

Acosta: Garci already eyeing win in Bukidnon 1st District

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (May 4) – Congressional candidate Ma. Lourdes “Malou” Acosta has express alarm over her closest rival former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano’s alleged pronouncement that he is already waiting for his formal declaration by the Commission on Election (Comelec) as the official winner in the province’s 1st District.

Acosta said the pronouncement only bolster suspicions that Garcillano is a manipulator of elections results.

But the young Acosta, who is running for public office for the first time under the Liberal Party vowed to give Garcillano “the battle of his life” if he resorted to dirty tactics.
Garcillano became a national figure for his alleged involvement in the “Hello Garci” scandal in 2004. He was questioned in Congress for his alleged participation in the alleged rigging of the results of the 2004 presidential elections.

“all eyes are on him. The people in the 1st District of Bukidnon are now aware of the notoriety of this man and they won’t allow him to perform his dirty tricks again” said Acosta.

Although she expressed confidence that the people’s vigilance would make it difficult for anyone to cheat. Acosta said she and her group would not put their guards down.

“Aside from the commitments coming from different election watchdogs and volunteers to monitor Garcillano’s movements, we have already put in place our own mechanisms to prevent cheating in the coming elections,” Acosta said.

Acosta said she was banking on her being a political neophyte and on her family’s record in the 1st District, to win the district’s congressional seat.

Her mother Socorro and brother Neric have both served as representatives of the 1st District. Neric is seeking the gubernatorial post while Socorro is seeking reelection as mayor of vote-rich Manolo Fortich town.

In contrast, Acosta said her opponent has even made “Hello Garci” a campaign slogan.

“He relies on the thought that voters have short memories and that public anger has already subdued,” Acosta said.
Acosta said she was optimistic because surveys have shown her leading in the surveys. (Gold Star Daily)


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